What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning involves making generalizations based on specific observations, while deductive reasoning starts with a general statement and deduces specific conclusions.

Can you give me an example of inductive reasoning?

Sure! If you observe that the sun has risen in the east every day of your life, you might conclude that the sun always rises in the east.

And what about deductive reasoning?

An example of deductive reasoning would be: All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

Which type of reasoning is more reliable?

Deductive reasoning is generally considered more reliable because it provides definitive conclusions if the premises are true, while inductive reasoning can lead to probable conclusions that may not always be true.